Page 62 of Cut Off
We drive for thirty two minutes. I count those, too.
18
The Real Pickup
JONAH
After a drive blurred by rage and panic, I hit the edge of Gwen’s gravel driveway, her beat-up mailbox leaning like it’s sick of this shit, too. Her vintage Buick is parked, all proud, in the weeds. I jam the SUV into park so hard I might snap the shifter off.
The police are here, Gwen standing on the porch talking to them. She’s crying, with her pearls, sweater, and martyr complex. Nothing’s changed.
“I’ll do the talking if I have to.” Zoe’s voice goes razor sharp. “Don’t give her anything she could use against you.”
I grunt. No promises.
I’m up the porch in four steps, and the officers show me that Gwen has a Kinship Caregiver Affidavit, along with a copy of the school’s pick up list with her name on it, so there’s nothing they can do.
How in the hell did she get all that?
I want to punch a wall, but I’ve got custody on the line. One bad move, and I end up being the psycho dad who can’t control himself.
Zoe’s behind me, hand on my shoulder, her palm keeping me from launching. My breaths come quick, shallow.
The door swings open.
Eli bolts out first, arms wide. He’s not scared—he’s fucking relieved.
He comes at me and I kneel, catching him midair, barely getting my arms up in time before he wraps around me and burrows in.
Everything else blanks out—just me and him.
He squeezes—crushing. Then when he sees the police officers, he says, “Gwen told me you said I could come.”
A punch to the chest.
Lie.
My voice is toast. “So glad to see you.” I don’t dare discuss Gwen.
He pulls back, studying my face.
My jaw’s tight enough to crack teeth, but I force myself to look him in the eye. “Always call me if you’re not sure. Okay? Always.”
He nods, then swipes his sleeve across his face like it’s nothing. But I know better: I’ll be telling his therapist to make sure Eli has a safe place to talk about this.
The police leave, and Gwen goes inside to get Eli’s backpack.
Zoe crouches next to Eli, protective energy cranked to max. “Hey, Eli. I have a magnetic travel chess set in my purse, and I’ve been practicing. Like, a lot. You think you can still beat me?”
His whole face lights up. “Absolutely.”
“Great. Let’s test that theory.” She gives my shoulder a quick squeeze as she stands, her way of saying you’ve got this. Then, when Gwen comes back outside, Zoe says, all sugar and knives, “I’ll be seeing you soon.”
Eli smiles. “Thanks, Gwen. For the snacks. And for the pie.”
“You’re very welcome, Eli.” She hands him the backpack. “You be good for your dad. And—” she shoots me a glance, “—you remember what I told you. You can always call me if you need anything.”
Eli looks at me, then at her, then shrugs and heads to the car with Zoe.
